Innovation and Research Unit

The Innovation & Research Unit (IRU) consists of a range of WDP staff and volunteers from across the organisation who have a passion for and experience in research and/or service delivery.

The IRU is overseen by Devon De Silva, Business Analyst, who, along with the IRU Officer, ensures the day-to-day running of the unit.

Our aims:

1. To design and contribute to research projects which will inform how services within the sector are commissioned and delivered going forward

2. To produce new and exciting innovations which enhance WDP’s existing service delivery.

How do we achieve our aims?

We achieve our two core aims by:

Developing links with local universities

Facilitating access to our staff and service users for local universities conducting research

Developing and conducting research projects in conjunction with local universities

Designing, conducting and publishing in-house research projects

Developing links with groups which have the power to influence government and inform policy

Overseeing WDP’s Bright Ideas Scheme which encourages staff and volunteers to provide innovation and research suggestions which, if implemented/published, leads to a financial reward for the individual

Establishing a feedback mechanism to ensure that all research findings and approved innovation suggestions are used to improve service delivery.

Current Research & Innovation Projects

Upcoming Research & Innovation Projects

Publications

Morton, L. (2016). A Case Report of a Concurrent Treatment of Cannabis and Tobacco Use within a Community Substance Misuse Service. Journal of Addiction, Research & Therapy, 7: 279.